Nine years ago, two strangers met by chance, spent a night together in Vienna, and parted before sunrise. Now, they're about to cross paths again--in Paris--where they will get the chance we all wish we had: to find out what might have… MoreNine years ago, two strangers met by chance, spent a night together in Vienna, and parted before sunrise. Now, they're about to cross paths again--in Paris--where they will get the chance we all wish we had: to find out what might have been. The only problem is they have just a few hours to figure out if they belong together.

Consensus:
Filled with engaging dialogue, Before Sunset is a witty, poignant romance, with natural chemistry between Hawke and Delpy.

Christy Lemire

Associated Press

It's a lovely, beguiling little film a rare treat during this overheated season of blockbusters. It's also an unusual example of a follow-up that doesn't seem forced, but expands effortlessly on the original.

Shooting in long takes, Linklater and his actors (who get co-screenwriting credit) allow the conversation to curlicue effortlessly from literate banter to matters of the heart, and sometimes to places in between.

The original Richard Linklater classic featured two fresh, young voices, finding each other in a spontaneous bohemian kind of way. Nine years, and a trail of… MoreThe original Richard Linklater classic featured two fresh, young voices, finding each other in a spontaneous bohemian kind of way. Nine years, and a trail of failed relationships later, and our lovers find each other in Paris, beginning again from the ruins of their shared past. Beautiful for its Parisian sights, but also for its lovelorn dialogue, this film works principally because it's a simple tale of love, having less to do with a pair's story and more with the mechanics of their love affair. The characters are interesting, their conversations are crisp and new, and we as the audience revel in their experience, but also in finding out the answers to our questions from the first film. Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke work well together to create an organic and truly magical partnership as Celine and Jesse, and we watch because of their chemistry. The films not only circle around an interesting couple, but show love's evolution and fragility.

Jens S.

The predecessor in which Hawke and Delpy walked through Vienna talking had an open ending. Now, years later they meet at his book reading telling the story,… MoreThe predecessor in which Hawke and Delpy walked through Vienna talking had an open ending. Now, years later they meet at his book reading telling the story, this time in Paris. Again, the film is little more than two people walking through a city, talking and again it works perfectly, thanks to the great chemistry between the two characters, their topics and dialogs, which hold a lot of ultimate truths about life and love. Surprisingly, Paris is not as charming a background as Vienna used to be. The result is still really charming and entertaining, like a lovely stroll through a beautiful city with someone special.

Mike S

Linklater continues to amaze. <i>Before Sunset</i> not only retains the same naturalistic enchantment, but does so an impressive nine years after… MoreLinklater continues to amaze. <i>Before Sunset</i> not only retains the same naturalistic enchantment, but does so an impressive nine years after the original came into existence. How many sequels can say the same?

Al S

A masterpiece. A superbly written and superbly performed picture. Smart, funny and deeply moving. A magnificent piece of romantic film-making. The actors return… MoreA masterpiece. A superbly written and superbly performed picture. Smart, funny and deeply moving. A magnificent piece of romantic film-making. The actors return to the essence of their characters and show how they developed and matured over the years. A film in which discusses real situations, moments and regrets. A wonderfully bittersweet ending which makes you want to know what happens next. It's captivating and complex and you cant help but feel sucked in. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are superb, they have magnetic chemistry that works wonderfully. A tremendously compelling character piece.

Wildaly M

Perfect sequel. Not many like this one.

KJ Proulx

Following the masterpiece that the first film was, "Before Sunset" picks up 9 years later after he has written a book based on the night they spent… MoreFollowing the masterpiece that the first film was, "Before Sunset" picks up 9 years later after he has written a book based on the night they spent together in the first. Again, this film is driven by the performances and the screenplay which is 100% dialogue driven. Watching these two converse for the length of a feature film is more than satisfying, but that is due to the fact that the director writes the dialogue with the actors who will be portraying these wonderfully developed characters. I fell in love with the first movie the first time I watched it, but I just cannot say the same about this film. It was just as enjoyable, but a lot has changed since their last meet and a few things they do just feels wrong. Again, the long takes and beautiful establishing shots are war sell this film. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy give terrific performances and you truly do feel the connection between them. In the end, this film is great for what it is, but it just is no match for the brilliance the first one pulled off.

Sanjay Rema

This film, like its predecessor, should not be as good as it is. I can't believe how an hour and a half of two people talking can be this entertaining. A… MoreThis film, like its predecessor, should not be as good as it is. I can't believe how an hour and a half of two people talking can be this entertaining. A lot of credit goes to the writing, a lot to the terrific actors, but most to the chemistry between Delpy and Hawke. The film's premise does put a cap on how good it can be, but the film really maximizes the space it is given.

c0up

'Before Sunset'. This sequel carries through everything that is right and good about those long walks, intellectual conversations and natural,… More'Before Sunset'. This sequel carries through everything that is right and good about those long walks, intellectual conversations and natural, wonderful chemistry.
It builds on its predecessor, bringing with it the disappointment and responsibility of life, tackling love from yet another angle. The revelation that both have moved on, triggered by a non-event, living satisfactory, but empty lives is tragic. The recollecting of the past decade coupled with their present joy creates a bitter-sweet tone throughout, while that ending can bring only hope!

Candy Rose

Nine years later another chance meeting for the American guy and European lady in Paris. A chance for more adventure.

Thomas Bowler

More cynical, more grown up, but just as beautiful and immediately real as its predecessor. Full review later.

Everett Johnson

*****
"Before Sunset" is probably my number 2 favorite "romantic" movie of all time("Love Actually" being number 1). This is a… More*****
"Before Sunset" is probably my number 2 favorite "romantic" movie of all time("Love Actually" being number 1). This is a sequel to "Before Sunset" and takes place 9 years later(and was actually made 9 years later). Jesse(Ethan Hawke) wrote a book about his one night in Vienna with Celine(Julie Duply) and goes on a book tour to promote it. While doing interviews on the last stop in Paris, he meets up with Celine again and they spend the day walking and talking through Paris before his flight back to the states. This movie doesn't miss a beat from the first one and is just as natural and moving. There are some very funny scenes, and some scenes that will really get your mind to work. I don't know if I've ever watched a movie that makes you see yourself through characters eyes quite as good as this movie. Also, the ending of this movie is perfect. One of my favorite all time endings ever. I remember the only reason I watched this or the first one was because it was nominated for an Oscar for best Screenplay back in 2004, and I just loved it. I don't remember what won it, but this deserved it for sure! There is a third one coming out this summer that I cannot wait to see. If you haven't seen either of the "Before" movies, then you NEED to check them out. They are absolutely fantastic that anyone who has been in a good relationship, or had a brief relationship that left you with "what ifs?" should watch. One of the rare times where the sequel is better than the already amazing original.

Liam Gadd

Just like ''Before Sunrise'', the sequel works beautifully through the great script and electrifying chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. The… MoreJust like ''Before Sunrise'', the sequel works beautifully through the great script and electrifying chemistry between Hawke and Delpy. The rich characters and the way it's effortlessly crafted make ''Before Sunset'' a spell-binding romance...and the ending is just perfection.